Three weeks after the flood. Half Moon Lane is at last open for traffic. The barrier and diversion was still there on Saturday, but when I went past on Monday the traffic was flowing again. This is good, as the 37 has been going up Herne Hill and then down Sunray Avenue to get back to its route; and, going the other way, struggling up Red Post Hill to turn left at the traffic lights back on to Herne Hill. Other through traffic has been diverted down Holmdene Avenue, so the residents will be pleased to get back to normal.
Shop-wise, almost all are still closed and there didn't seem to be much
remedial activity except for continuing drying out. Many shops have been taken
back to the brickwork on the walls and there are large driers with
plastic pipes poking out from several, still draining
water onto the pavement.
Kindred Bakery is producing bread, The Fringe is cutting hair and Brockwell Pharmacy is dispensing from the back of the shop which is a little higher, although the rest of the shop is waiting for refurbishment like the others. Duo Dance and Bon Vélo are also trading, with access through their back doors via Carver Road. All the others seem quiet, including the Half Moon pub, Pizza Express and Cafe Provencal.
The rest of Herne Hill seems OK now although Saz on Norwood Road was still closed due to basement flooding.
Let's hope they all have good insurance and are resilient. It is sad and must be very depressing for the owners, but the positive message I have heard from them are 'please support us when we open again' and I am sure everyone will. There was more coverage in Southwark News last week, including an editorial, and it's welcome that Southwark Council have made an emergency recovery fund available for the traders and have offered help in the form of a business rate freeze.
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